India grants visa to Abdul Basit for Kolkata World T20 match

NEW DELHI: After earlier denial of permit, the Indian government has granted visa to Pakistani High Commissioner Abdul Basit to visit Kolkata for a hotly awaited World T20 match between Pakistan and India.

Some of the other diplomats could not be granted visas for the match. The Indian government didn’t give any reason for non-issuance of visas to other Pakistani officials.

India had last week denied visas to Pakistani diplomats without providing any reason. Pakistan Foreign Office had also summoned India High Commissioner in Islamabad to register its protest over New Delhi’s move.

I’m glad to be here (Kolkata),somewhat sad that my colleagues who wanted to come could not come-Abdul Basit,Pak High Commissioner #WT20 — ANI (@ANI_news) March 18, 2016

One of the officials at Pakistan High Commission in India said: “It is unfortunate that India, despite being the host of the World Cup, is refusing to fulfil its obligations and creating hurdles.”